For those following along with the #backyardoasis project. Here are some new photos of the facade.

It has received a new deck, I found a cute little porch light on Craigslist some months back and we updated it to black. It got some stairs finally and some brick skirting. I think it’s coming along quite nicely. Are you working on any backyard updates or plans for your Summer?

I’m in love. It’s no secret the Pacific Northwest is spectacular and I don’t discount her beauty. I love her alright. Yesterday, was exceptional and lazily lovely. Until, there was the suggestion of going to a park by the water. Fine by me but, the amount of people crammed into the closest one, made me claustrophobic before I even got out of the car. No thanks.

So, those of you that know the South sound even just a little, know it gets a little quieter the further you go. And, that’s what we did. Right across the Narrows Bridge to a pretty place, called Fox Island.

And, it was totally awesome. We explored and went from beach to beach, gathering shells and rocks and things.

In one spot, there were three children, in swimming suits, out on the spit splashing in the water and examining sea creatures. Down from one of the houses along the water, in the cove. What a way to grow up. It reminded me of when I was young. We were always on the water. Those were some of my greatest memories.

At one point we realized that there must have been thousands upon thousands of living purple sand dollars all along the strip of beach we walked. And, the slimey shoreline and its sea anemones, kept shooting water up as we watched down to the water.

We would lift up the big rocks to find 50 tiny crabs, shocked to see the sunshine, and scatter. Jack, my son, would pick up one every time and plunk him into the giant clam shell he found, like a little jail. Until, he willfully let them go back into the ocean in sets, in case they were family…of course.

We started a bit later in the day. But, stretched out the time until dusk. And, made the most of the toll bridge fee.

What a day. We are going to make that a regular occurrence so, I can avoid the crowds and enjoy the sun…

I love books. No, I mean sometimes, I have a real problem. I recognize that the bookstore is my weakness even in this day and age of ebooks. But, come on. You can’t hold a kindle the same way and still get that same old feeling.

When I was little, I spent a lot of time at the library. I was always a fast reader. I even won a contest once in grade school for reading the most books. Those were the days. Hours spent at the local library, and thumbing through countless selections. Clearly, a happy place. I could say the same still about every book place I head into now,still. Who’s with me?

So, even I, in my blinded book love forget to reorganize my bookshelf. It’s always great to look smarter then you probably are, I say. And, it’s a great way to display your fabulous finds.

I found myself in the redo mode for spring. I loaded up all the books I could make myself part with. I will be taking them down to 1/2 price books so, I can get more money, for more books, of course. Our neighborhood also has a bunch of those “little libraries”. Love those things. I want one I my front yard.

I focused on some interesting details. I grouped the colors, I ditched the dust covers to show some of the details on the bindings, I popped in some personal items and some flowers on the shelves with photos. I put old books with the new, I put some on there sides and some on end. I stuck in a bookend. And, the bottom shelf has some room to expand. It was fun to experiment and to play around with it. And, try and make it personal. Am I the only one who needed this little facelift to give me a much need boost for Spring? 🌿

For awhile now we have been working on a backyard studio for doing art, entertaining and making more livable space, outside the small home we are in. On a huge lot. This has been an ongoing process and continues to be. But, I’m excited to say that things have picked back up on the project, once again.

Firstly, you should know I have an Interior Design degree and Jay, my sons father is a carpenter by trade for 20+ years. We often don’t see eye to eye on a few things. However, projects like these bring us to a happier place.

We often don’t have a lot of extra cash lying around either for things like these so, there have been many “make it work” moments in expanding our backyard and building supplies. I have always been okay with up cycling or using “found” or the right free items, as well. Why not? The world is full of enough garbage. I think it’s great not to waste it. Because of it, I have been honing my skills for Craigslist “free” and that has helped the creativity keep going. Just a couple weeks ago, I randomly sat down and checked the site and really, really lucked out on a great couple in the South sound, getting rid of ALL of the cedar siding on their house. And, it was in fantastic shape plus, 1/2″ think, which apparently is unheard of nowadays. Serious, serious score.

The catch. It had to be de-nailed and planed down to get it looking back to fab. Okay, a bit of work. Also, three truck loads full. So, thanks to Jays perseverance and hard work with that, we won big with all that usable material. The roof shingles are a trade from Craigslist for an old iPhone and a mini projector. The door, a $20 Craigslist find. The skylight a $10 find. The windows below, side of the road free and $10. The ones above, $15 for the pair, just found the other day on offer up.

We got boxes of laminate flooring from this nice man in Kent who was gonna do improvements but, never got around to it and just wanted it gone. That was also a huge score.

We happened to be headed to Home Depot and I caught a glimpse of a cabinet section with a sink that I’m hoping we can transform into a kitchenette, if you will. I’m thinking mini frig/freezer combo and an induction plate or 2 burner cooktop dropped in. Let’s see what I can find, right? It’s not the prettiest now. But, there’s potential, I hope. For a future post.

The plan is to get the wiring and insulting done soon. And, as you might of guessed by now, I found a dude on Craigslist, a former contractor, selling a boatload of cheaper insulation he got stuck with. It’s a no brainier, I will be hitting him up.

Now, I’m still looking for windows. One long slider for behind where the bed will go. You will be under a skylight which is exciting but, I hate the idea of it being stifling and hot while you sleep.

I still have to figure out the logistics of the bathroom. A compostible toilet sounds like a grand plan. Finding one for the right price is another story. IKEA has some interesting options for small sinks. And, I want to prepare it for once it does officially become plumbed to be a “wet” bathroom. We missing an electrician best friend is all, haha. But, I’m gonna remain optimistic that it will work out.

Want to know how to spruce up the boring workspace corner you have going on, on the cheap?

Easy. Just find charming little black frames and put in some favorite small art pieces that you love. You have the opportunity to use some of your favorite children’s art work. Or, find an old botanical print book at your used book shop, you can make some art easily and rotate it if your feeling artistic. Or mix them all together for a charming and eclectic look. I suggest gathering some pieces on a flat space and seeing how they play out together. Make it appealing. Do black and white but, add a pop of color. Or just go for it with color for a more modern/contemporary look and feel. This is supposed to be fun! And, the best thing is you can change the art out when you feel like refreshing or find something new…

You can find those little black frames at your local art store, IKEA, or go to the frame shop and have them made for a pretty reasonable price, out of the scrap from larger frames. You can buy or get one size or mix them up. Be sure to “weigh” them out visually. Not too many big paired with small for example. But, there are no set rules. Plan out the area by measuring and doing a little visual math for the areas for your frames and the artwork your most in love with.

You can make a plan for hanging using butcher paper, craft paper, or something reusable/recyclable by lightly taping a “map” of your plan before making holes, just to see it in theory.

Add a vintage light and cool, comfortable chair and you have just quickly and conveniently, personalized your workspace area for more interest! Simple right?

Have more questions or going to do this project? Let me know. I would love to hear how it goes!

Does music bring you as much joy as me? I confess, I am a self proclaimed music loving, tech geek. I think this audiophile would be a comfy, couch loving, cool kid that needs a place to chill and put on some funky beats. I couldn’t leave out the humor though because, come on who didn’t love an amazing mixed tape so, I guess a beatbox pillow will have to stir up those memories. Sometimes analog is better.

Seventies KLH Speakers

Kevin O’brien Ombre Velvet Pillow – Peacock

Gallery 30 Modern Wall Unit

Contemporary Black Desk With Turned Legs

Beats Boombox White / Black

Platform Cabinet

Tech Turntable – Mahogany – Crosley CR6007A-MA

Saturn Dining Chair

CH445 Wing Chair In Leather

Side Table

“Jenna” Sofa

CH468 Oculus Chair In Fabric

Global Views Widget Mirror

Monkey With Mirror

Zanadoo 12L Iron Chandelier Arteriors Home

Judy Lounge Chair

Koba Rug

Euro Style Glynis Glass Coffee Table

Central Modern Glass End Table

Handpainted Linen Pillow In Grey

Paul Mccobb For Calvin Bar Cart

Recycled Vintage Motorcycle Lamp

Big Ben Dresser

Aimee Wilder Analog Nights Wallpaper

Suede Pillow Covers – Fog

Allaire Desk Fan Black

Party Beverage Server

Like what you see? Follow me for more to come and contact me with questions, comments or oppurtunities.

I am practicing my British Accent right now for fun. Who is sitting and living in this place you might ask? Some retro-futuristic, fun loving nerds that’s who! Alright, they can’t go to work dressed up in leather bomber jackets or aviator glasses. But, they can dream up romantic science fiction scenarios at work and still be able to have two feet planted on the ground. One in the fantasical world of an H.G. Wellian abode and the other in 2013.

I love the smell of ocean air. I have always found peace in lifestyle by the water. So, it was easy to imagine a place in a sunny surfing spot. The windows there open to gorgeous weather with a glass of wine in hand and that good book that has been begging for attention all to long, after being in the water all day. Who are these people besides, you might ask? They love a sense of comfort with class but, they don’t forget to have fun and they want an amazing place to relax. They love nature with a little splash of glitz and glamour. This is the place…light, lovely, with the fresh feeling of a fine getaway without sacrificing style. But enough of that already, they have to go and get the dog down to the beach before sunset and back for their seafood dinner with friends.